FBI to do a comprehensive investigation into sexual assault allegations against his Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh

U.S. President Donald Trump insisted he wants the FBI to do a comprehensive investigation into sexual assault allegations against his Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, but said he would leave the parameters of the probe to senate republicans.

Later Trump came to the defense Kavanaugh, at a rally in Tennessee saying, “they are trying to destroy a very fine person.”

Trump nominated Kavanaugh in July to succeed retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy on the top U.S. Court. Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the lifetime post would cement the conservative grip on the Supreme Court.

The FBI now is investigating accusations of sexual misconduct by Kavanaugh when he was in high school and college.

Kavanaugh denies the allegations and has accused democrats of a political “hit.”

Meanwhile, several hundred protesters came out to the streets of Manhattan to express their opposition to Brett Kavanaugh’s potential confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court.

No matter where they appeared in the country, newly emboldened protesters, mostly women, are being credited with helping force at least a week’s delay in the confirmation vote for Kavanaugh.

The allegations against Kavanaugh come against the backdrop of the #Metoo movement against sexual harassment and assault that has toppled a succession of powerful men.